Whereas in the year 1831 Elizabeth Benson, of the County of Perry, intermarried with Charles Buxton, and lived with him, until the year 1832 when said Buxton abandoned her and left the country with the avowed intention of never again returning, and the said Elizabeth having heard that the said Charles had gone to the South, and departed this life, and beleiving that information to be correct, again intermarried with Monroe Rice, since which latter marriage some evil disposed persons have threatened to prosecute said Elizabeth for the supposed crime of Bigamy; and whereas if such prosecution should be commenced it might be impossible to procure the attendance of witnesses to prove the death of said Buxton, depositions in such cases not being evidence in remedy whereof

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois represented in the General Assembly; That the said marriage contract between the said Elizabeth and Charles be and the same is hereby dissolved, and the said marriage of said Elizabeth and Monroe Rice be and the same is hereby legalized to all intents and purposes; and the said Elizabeth and Monroe are hereby released from all liabilities and penalties incurred, in consequence of their said marriage.